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Is Pityrosporum ovale a pathogen of the external auditory meatus?
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tromsö, Norway.
Abstract:
Fifteen dry wax samples, 15 wet wax samples and 7 dandruffy skin samples obtained from the external auditory meatus (EAM) of 26 individuals (age range from 1 to 76 years) were examined for the identification of Pityrosporum ovale. After staining the samples with Gram's stain, cultures were made on Sabouraud's medium with olive oil added. Thirteen of the dry wax samples, 1 of the wet wax samples and 6 of the dandruffy skin samples harboured P. ovale. Lipophilic yeast is frequently present in dry wax in adults and must be considered an aetiological agent of dandruff in the EAM.
Insights
Pityrosporum ovale yeast was identified in earwax and dandruff samples from 26 individuals. This lipophilic yeast is common in adult earwax and may cause external auditory canal dandruff.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Otology
Background:
- The external auditory meatus (EAM) can harbor various microorganisms.
- Dandruff-like conditions in the EAM may have infectious or inflammatory origins.
- Pityrosporum ovale is a known cause of dandruff on the scalp.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and prevalence of Pityrosporum ovale in the EAM.
- To determine if P. ovale in the EAM is associated with dandruff-like skin conditions.
- To explore the role of P. ovale as an etiological agent of EAM dandruff.
Main Methods:
- Samples of dry earwax, wet earwax, and dandruffy skin were collected from 26 individuals.
- Samples were stained using Gram's stain.
- Cultures were performed on Sabouraud's medium supplemented with olive oil to isolate P. ovale.
Main Results:
- Pityrosporum ovale was detected in 13 out of 15 dry earwax samples.
- P. ovale was found in 1 out of 15 wet earwax samples.
- P. ovale was identified in 6 out of 7 dandruffy skin samples from the EAM.
Conclusions:
- Lipophilic yeast, specifically Pityrosporum ovale, is frequently found in the dry earwax of adult individuals.
- The presence of P. ovale in the EAM suggests it is a potential etiological agent for dandruff in this location.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the causal relationship between P. ovale and EAM dandruff.